Gord Downie dead: Tragically Hip lead singer passes aged 53 after brain cancer battle

Tragically Hip frontman Gord Downie has died, aged 53, after a lengthy battle with terminal brain cancer.

The Canadian artist died on Tuesday surrounded by his loved ones, his family confirmed.

In a statement they wrote: “Gord knew this day was coming – his response was to spend this precious time as he always had – making music, making memories and expressing deep gratitude to his family and friends for a life well lived, often sealing it with a kiss … on the lips.

“Gord said he had lived many lives. As a musician, he lived ‘the life’ for over 30 years, lucky to do most of it with his high school buddies.

“At home, he worked just as tirelessly at being a good father, son, brother, husband and friend. No one worked harder on every part of their life than Gord. No one.”

Downie was diagnosed with brain cancer in December 2015, but did not reveal the news until the following May.

The Tragically Hip shared the “tough news” on its website, telling fans that they had been “standing by him” as he fought hard.

Downie rose to fame in the Canadian alt-rock group which was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2005.

Downie also released five solo albums.

He is survived by his wife Laura Leigh Usher and their four children.